Golden eye drops and ointment (propamidine)

You can buy this medicine from pharmacies to treat minor eye infections - we give advice on its use, warnings and side effects.

22/02/2017

What are Golden eye drops and ointment used for?

Golden eye can be bought without a prescription to treat minor bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid, eg conjunctivitis, blepharitis. Symptoms include irritated, red, gritty or itchy eyes and a sticky discharge that may stick the eyelids together or leave crusts on the eyelashes.

Golden eye is sometimes prescribed by eye specialists to treat a rare eye infection associated with contact lens use, called acanthamoeba keratitis (this is an unlicensed use of the medicine).

How do Golden eye drops and ointment work?

Golden eye drops and ointment contain the active ingredient propamidine, which is an antibacterial medicine.

Propamidine works by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying, which controls the numbers of bacteria causing an infection. The remaining bacteria die or are killed by the body's immune system, which clears up the infection.

Putting the medicine directly into the eye allows the medicine to act directly on the bacteria that are causing the infection.

How do you use Golden eye drops and ointment?

If you're using the drops, one or two drops should be administered into the infected eye up to four times a day for two days.

If you're using the ointment, a strip of ointment approximately 1cm in length should be applied to the inside of the eyelid once or twice a day for two days.

When using the drops or ointment take care to not touch the dropper or tube tip to any surface, or to your eye, to avoid contaminating the medicine with germs.

If your symptoms get worse or don't improve after two days of treatment with Golden eye, or if you have any problems with your vision you should get advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I know before using Golden eye drops or ointment?

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Golden eye. Wearing contact lenses when you have an eye infection can make it worse. You should not wear your contact lenses for 24 hours after you have finished using Golden eye.

The eye drops and ointment may cause your vision to blur temporarily after you have applied them into your eye. Do not drive or operate machinery until this has worn off.

Golden eye drops and ointment should be disposed of four weeks after you first open them, as by they are likely to be contaminated with germs that could cause further eye infections. You may find it helpful to write the date of first opening on the packet.

Who shouldn't use Golden eye drops or ointment?

People who are allergic to any of the ingredients. Please inform your pharmacist if you have previously experienced an allergy to eye drops or ointment.

Can I use Golden eye while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Only if advised to by your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of Golden eye drops or ointment during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so they should only be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding if considered essential by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Golden eye drops and ointment?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with Golden eye.

Local sensitivity reactions, such as a stinging or burning sensation in the eye, or a rash or itching around the eye. Stop using Golden eye and get advice from your pharmacist if you experience this.

Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine or talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of Golden eye. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?

Can I use Golden eye drops and ointment with other medicines?

If you are using any other eye drops or ointments you should tell your pharmacist before using Golden eye.

If you're using more than one type of eye drop you should administer them at least five minutes apart, to prevent the second drop washing away the first. Use eye gels or ointments last.

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